The three of us walked into the principal's cabin where both Principal Sir and our class teacher were waiting. Sir's serious expression made my stomach twist.
"I've called you all here for a special responsibility," he said.
Special responsibility? My eyes darted between Ayaan and Tanev. They looked calm, confident, like they belonged here. And then there was me—a new girl who had barely been around for a few months.
Seriously, Sir? Responsibility? For me?
"What happened, Siya? Is there something?"sir asked.
I straightened immediately. "No sir! Nothing special… I was just—uh—excited about the responsibility. It sounds interesting."
He chuckled, and said no more
suspense. I want you three to handle the farewell program for the 10th standard."
He turned toward Ayaan and Tanev. "You two will be in charge of the entire event. Make plans, assign tasks, create drama ideas, whatever you like. Just make sure it shows teamwork."
Both nodded, confident as always. "Yes sir, we will."
Then his eyes landed on me.
"And Siya… I want you to take the anchoring responsibility. Find a partner for yourself and handle the whole anchoring of the function."
I froze. Anchoring? Out of everything, why anchoring? That wasn't just a role—it was the face of the function.
I wanted to protest, but his words were final. "Y-yes, sir," I said softly, though inside, I was panicking.
He added, "Ayaan and Tanev will help you if needed."
The three of us exchanged looks. My stomach sank further. Great. Now Ayaan knew me. But honestly? I didn't care anymore. It had been a month. I had waited those first 2–3 weeks, hoping for something, but now… I was done. I'd given up on him.
From that day, things shifted. Ayaan and I started talking, but only in a normal way. He'd ask if I needed help, or remind me to find my partner quickly so we could split the script. Nothing more, nothing less.
It was… fine. Normal.
---
Finally, I gathered courage and asked the whole class, "So… does anyone want to do anchoring with me?"
The class stared. Then Ayesha spoke up, raising a brow. "Why?"
"If anyone wants, they can," I answered.
She smirked. "Ohoo, you will decide?"
I blinked. "Umm… maybe."
"What?"
"Actually…" I sighed. "I've been given the anchoring responsibility. So I need a partner."
She rolled her eyes. "So many people want this, Siya. Ask ma'am to choose."
"Okay… what about you?"
"No. I won't even be here during the farewell."
That's when it clicked—she was out of station. That's why this responsibility landed on me.
To be honest, I didn't want it. Handling this much alone wasn't my thing.
So I went to ma'am. "Many want to be anchor… but many don't. Honestly, ma'am, no one really wants to do it with me."
She gave me a small smile. "Then choose someone you're comfortable with."
Comfort? Who even cared about my comfort? Still, I said, "Maybe… Anisha?"
"Good choice. She's good at this."
Anisha was called, and to my relief, she agreed. "Did you suggest my name or did ma'am?" she asked curiously.
I lied. "Ma'am did."
Her face brightened. "Then let's give our best!"
We were walking back to class when Tanev appeared out of nowhere. "Hey, what's up?"
"Nothing," Anisha replied.
"Can you help me with something?" he asked.
"No," she said flatly.
"Then I need an anchor's help. Come with me."
Honestly, it looked like flirting. Cringe flirting. Still, I went along with them, because… anchor responsibilities.
We entered the class. Ayaan was sitting there, writing something. He looked up at us, his brows furrowed.
"Anisha? Why are you here?"
She shot back, "So who should be here? Ayesha?"
His tone softened, almost like he was hiding something. "What are you talking about?"
"Nothing," she muttered.
Tanev jumped in, grinning. "She's also anchor now."
Ayaan gave a small nod. "Ohoo, then it'll be easier. Come sit."
We sat down, planning the sequence of the program. But honestly? Half the time, Anisha and Tanev were just bickering like a couple.
Ayaan shook his head and muttered, "Guys, stop. She'll think wrong."
His eyes flicked to me.
I raised a brow. "What wrong? Why would I?"
He parted his lips, ready to reply—
But Tanev smirked, cutting him off. "Come on, Ayaan. Do you even think she knows this stuff?"
Heat rose to my face. "Excuse me?"
Before I could say more, Tanev stood. "Anisha, let's go. I need your help."
Rolling her eyes, she followed him out.
Suddenly, the room was quiet. Too quiet. Just me and Ayaan.
I stood, ready to leave too. But before I could, Ayaan stepped forward. Blocked my way.
My breath hitched.
He came closer. Slowly. His steps deliberate, his gaze locked on mine. I froze as his height shadowed me, his face lowering to my level.
"Siya…" His voice was low, soft, the way he said my name almost made my knees weak.
I gave the tiniest nod, showing I was listening.
"Whatever you see here, whatever happens here…" His breath brushed my skin. "…don't think wrong. And don't spread it."
My nerves twisted. Did he really think I'd gossip?
Annoyance burned inside me. Instead of backing away, I stepped closer. Rising on my toes, I whispered sharply, "I'm not like you, Ayaan. So don't care so much."
The words hit, but my eyes betrayed me. Because up this close… I noticed everything. The small mole near his eye. His dark lashes, long enough to brush his skin. The faint, bitten-red mark on his lips that made them look unfairly soft.
My heart hammered so loudly I thought he might hear it.
We stood there—too close, too intense—for a second that felt like forever.
And then I pulled back, leaving him frozen, probably wondering since when Siya could talk like this.
---
I rushed to the washroom, pressing my palm to my chest. My heartbeat was out of control.
"For the first time… I was this close to a guy," I whispered to my reflection. My cheeks burned, my mind spinning.
"Why did he come so near? He could've said it from far away. Why… why this close?"
I shut my eyes, whispering to myself, "I don't like him anymore. I've given up. I moved on."
But as I opened my eyes, my reflection stared back, mocking me.
"Then why does it feel," I whispered, "Oho God I have given upp but why it feels like you have other plans…."